This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
It is going to be a busy end to the month for Liverpool.
The Reds may be flying at the top of the Premier League table, but they will participate in four competitions before the calendar year is out. Along with the Premier League, they face RB Salzburg in the Champions League in midweek, whilst they will also play in both the League Cup and the Club World Cup as well.
The many fixtures mean they will be forced to play two matches in the space of 24 hours, with the domestic semi-final being played before the Anfield outfit take the field in their first match in Qatar. As such, two totally different XIs will start in each match.
It has been confirmed that for the clash against Aston Villa, Neil Critchley will take over whilst Jurgen Klopp and the entirety of the first-team squad travel to the Middle East. That therefore means that the club’s youngsters will need to step up at Villa Park.
Whilst this is not the best news for the Merseyside team, it should be music to the ears of Dean Smith and co. They will therefore face a team with next to no experience at the highest level, and it could even be the first taste of professional football for several of their opponents. The Midlands side, meanwhile, will be able to field their strongest XI, and at home to boot.
As such, it is essential that they are not complacent, and they must be absolutely ruthless. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Villans to make the semi-final of a cup competition, and therefore be within touching distance of a trip to Wembley.
Yes, it could be argued that their way to the next round has been made an awful lot easier, but with the likes of Leicester City, Manchester United and Manchester City still in the competition, they will likely have the chance to prove their true ability later on.
Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right….
Villa have been handed a gift by Liverpool’s success. They must not waste it. Should they make it to the final, they can prove their true talent there against either Everton or Leicester City. First though, they must take full advantage of the situation and put the Reds to the sword.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa fans praise one former striker.